You ever get that annoying itch on your scalp? It itches all day long and you have to walk around either patting your head all day (can’t mess up the cute updo) or, my favorite, walk around with a bobby pin on hand to keep scratching that scalp. Then once you scratch you notice a bunch of white “lint” all over your clothes. You feel dirty and gross. No worries, I’ve suffered from dry scalp and I’ve been delivered. I’ve got 5 tips and I’m here to help lol.

Now note: These remedies are not for DANDRUFF or ECZEMA. DANDRUFF are LARGE flakes on your scalp, almost like you scalp is peeling. These remedies are also not for eczema. Both of those issues should be looked at by a dermatologist.

Ok. Before you buy ANYTHING for that hair, I want you to:

1. Increase your water intake. Ok, look: Most of us are not drinking enough water every day. There are some studies that say that we should be drinking half our body weight in ounces every day (If you weigh 100 pounds then you need to drink 50 ounces daily). Too much? Then try to at LEAST drink 60 ounces of water every day and work your way up from there. Whenever I feel an itchy scalp coming on I immediately increase my water intake and it gets better. I have a desk job so I keep a reusable water bottle on me that I re-fill a few times a day. I make it a goal to have to fill it up 3 times before I leave work. We already know all of the other amazing benefits of drinking water and being properly hydrated, clearing an itchy scalp is just another added benefit!

2.Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Many times the shampoo that we’re using is the culprit in an itchy scalp. Sulfates make your shampoos bubbly and fun but they’re also known to dry out scalp and hair. Check your shampoo: Does it say that it’s sulfate free? Usually a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo will do the trick. Once you buy the shampoo you must…

3.Shampoo at least once weekly until the problem is resolved. Listen: I know you have a busy schedule but when you have an itchy scalp you have to “nurse” it back to health and it doesn’t usually happen overnight. It may take 3-4 weeks for the itch to be completely gone but you’ll usually notice an improvement within the week that you increase your water intake and switch up shampoos. Just like your body, your hair and scalp needs water so give it what it needs! Don’t forget to follow up each shampoo with a deep conditioner!!

4.Steam your scalp. If you have a steamer then sit under your steamer once a week with the conditioner on your hair. If you don’t have a steamer no worries! Simply apply conditioner and put your hair in a plastic cap (or you can even use saran wrap) and then sit under a hooded dryer once a week for 20-30 minutes. The plastic is what creates the steam, if you don’t use plastic the conditioner will just dry up on your hair. The heat from the steam can kill bacteria on your scalp and allow conditioner to penetrate your hair follicles better. For a special treat add a LITTLE of your favorite oil to the itchiest parts on your scalp before you steam. Make sure you rinse well!

5.Cotton or wool hats, scarves, and headbands will dry out your hair and scalp. I had THEE CUTEST hat a few years back that I LOVED and wore for a few months until I noticed that my scalp was itching like crazy AND my hair was breaking off. If you must wear a wool or cotton hat, first cover your hair with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t go to bed with a cotton bandana on, that is so 90’s and so bad for your hair lol. Grab a satin scarf or bonnet. If you don’t like stuff on your head while you sleep, grab a satin pillow case to sleep on. Also check the headbands that you wear regularly: Are they cotton? Does your hair itch or break where you wear the headband? That could be another culprit.

So those are my tips to help cure a dry scalp! What are you tricks to cure a dry scalp? Comment below!